Michael Merriman needed a new creative outlet. After 10 years of his cello gathering dust in the corner of his office, his wife told him to either start playing it again or find it a new home. Mike chose the former and joined the East Metro Symphony Orchestra in January of 2019. He hasn’t looked
In Tune
New Beginnings 2019-2020 Concert Season Update
In response to continuing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the EMSO board has decided to cancel the remainder of the New Beginnings 2019-2020 concert season, including the Beethoven Birthday Bash concert scheduled for May 17, 2020. Additionally, due to safety concerns and restrictions around access to senior living facilities, all EMSO-sponsored performances at senior living centers are
Symphonies for Seniors
EMSO brings live musical experiences to senior communities around the east metro The East Metro Symphony Orchestra hosted two new senior community concerts this winter. These concerts, called Symphonies for Seniors, offer opportunities for senior communities to experience live musical performance, while offering EMSO the chance to perform favorite musical pieces multiple times throughout its current
Member Spotlight: Matthew Springer
Matthew Springer was looking for a challenge. The music the high school student was playing in his school band was too easy for him and Matthew wanted to try something new. “I joined EMSO in 2017 because I wanted to improve my musical skills. I am a senior in high school this year and will
Member Spotlight: Kelly Fischer
Kelly Fischer loves a challenge. She joined the East Metro Symphony Orchestra a year ago, and the orchestra has been a great opportunity for her to challenge herself. “I was told about EMSO by a co-worker whose husband plays violin in the orchestra. I hadn’t played violin since college, but I was excited to improve
Member Spotlight: Kyle Bryson
Kyle Bryson values his ties to the East Metro Symphony Orchestra. As a transplant from the East Coast, the orchestra has served as a way for Kyle to connect more with his new home in the East Metro. “I joined the orchestra in spring 2018. I was urged to join by a co-worker who plays
Member Spotlight: Haley Martin
Haley Martin is grateful for the invitation she got to join the East Metro Symphony Orchestra. She had the opportunity to perform with the orchestra several years ago as a student at East Ridge High School in Woodbury, participating in EMSO’s Side-By-Side concerts. So it was a welcome surprise when EMSO trombonist Carl Meincke reminded her
Merci!
It was a wonderful kick-off to our 2019-2020 New Beginnings concert season at EMSO’s French Passions concert on October 27th. The orchestra was in grand form playing classical French pieces from composers like Bizet and Franck. Merci to our fabulous audience who came out to support the start of our 11th season and see the
Member Spotlight: Nahree Ki
Nahree Ki is very happy she chose to join the East Metro Symphony Orchestra. Last year, she was looking for ways to connect musically in her community when an invitation from an EMSO member to join a summer string ensemble introduced her to the orchestra. “Joining EMSO was the best decision I made in 2018!”
EMSO Welcomes Craig Hara
EMSO welcomes a new music director and conductor The East Metro Symphony Orchestra is happy to introduce Craig Hara as its new music director and conductor. Craig is a multi-faceted musician, educator and producer, playing trumpet, drums, percussion, EVI (electronic valve instrument), guitar, bass, keyboards/synthesizers and vocals. “My appointment to the position of music director